Katherine Johnson (August 26, 1918 – February 24, 2020) was a pioneering African-American mathematician whose work was instrumental in the success of the United States’ space exploration efforts. Born in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, Johnson exhibited exceptional mathematical abilities from a young age. She started high school at 10 and graduated with highest honors from West Virginia State College at 18, earning bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and French.
In 1953, Johnson joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA, as part of the West Area Computing unit. Her expertise in analytical geometry and celestial navigation led her to calculate trajectories, launch windows, and emergency return paths for numerous missions, including Alan Shepard’s first American spaceflight and John Glenn’s orbit around Earth. Notably, Glenn requested that Johnson personally verify the computer-generated calculations before his flight, reflecting the high regard in which her skills were held.
Johnson’s contributions extended to the Apollo missions, where her calculations were vital for the lunar landing module’s rendezvous with the command module. She also worked on the Space Shuttle program and plans for a mission to Mars. Her work exemplified precision and reliability, earning her a reputation as a “human computer.”
Throughout her 33-year career at NASA, Johnson broke gender and racial barriers, becoming a trailblazer for African-American women in STEM fields. Her story gained widespread recognition through the book and film “Hidden Figures,” which highlighted the crucial roles she and her colleagues played in the space race. In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, acknowledging her invaluable contributions to science and space exploration.
Katherine Johnson’s legacy is a testament to her extraordinary mathematical prowess and unwavering determination. Her work not only propelled the United States forward in space exploration but also paved the way for future generations of women and minorities in science and engineering.